In the 57th minute of Mamelodi Sundowns’ match against Barcelona in 2007, Brazilian Ronaldinho unleashed a no-look pass to set up Marc Crosas, sending the Loftus Versveld capacity crowd into a frenzy.
It was that moment that created a life-long love affair with football for many fans in South Africa. However, Old Bens FC attacker Fabio de Freitas lists a moment in the game that not many will remember.
“My dad took me to the game. When Ronaldinho did a bicycle kick in front of us, that’s when I knew I wanted to play soccer,” de Freitas said.
Like the Brazilian, he plays as an attacker and wears jersey number 10. The position and number carry the responsibility of being the team’s mainstay.
“It’s a vital position. I have the responsibility to score and create goals. The coach reminds me daily that I have to be consistent to help the team secure three points in every game.”
Ronaldinho may have inspired him to carve out a career in football, but he lists one of the greatest players to ever kick a ball as his idol.
“Cristiano Ronaldo made me fall in love with football. I used to watch every single game he played in and tried to copy whatever he did.”
The 24-year-old said the Portuguese’s rags-to-riches story helped mould him into the person he is today.
“He does things no one else does. How he expresses himself and where he comes from inspired me. He came from nothing to become one of the best footballers in the world.”
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In his career, de Freitas has been a journeyman. How did it all start for him?
“I started as a 10-year-old at Old Bens. I then went to play for Heroes Academy. Afterwards, I joined Bidvest Wits’ u-14 and u-15 teams.
“I’ve had stints in the USA and Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. I then played for Mpumalanga Black Aces Academy in the Vodacom League. After Aces was sold, I joined the Nike Academy, where I became the team’s captain.”
While at Nike, he was scouted by Arthur Zwane to play for Kaizer Chiefs’ reserve team. He was on the verge of fulfilling his dream. However, six months into his new adventure, a knee injury kept him out of the game for eight months. His Chiefs’ sojourn was over.
“I hurt my left knee. I didn’t do therapy properly and I kept getting injured every time I played. I had to stop everything to recover fully.”
Back where it all started, the Ebotse resident is enjoying football again. He’s played a starring role in Old Ben’s blistering start to the Easterns Super League season, netting four goals and landing one assist.
“It’s a good start. The boys have been working hard at training and, hopefully, this form continues.
“I am 24 and it’s difficult to get into the PSL. But I came back to enjoy football with Old Bens, and we’ll see what happens.”
Old Bens first team coach Mike Lee told the City Times de Freitas’s experience is invaluable to the team.
“Fabio is a special talent and brings aggression and experience to the squad. He is a big personality and can turn a game in a blink of an eye. Players and coaches alike have a lot of respect for him,” Lee said.
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